Steven Tranjust ask.

First-time buyers, this one's for you

You're not behind. You just haven't started yet.

Everything about buying your first home, explained like a friend would explain it — no jargon, no judgment, and absolutely no dumb questions.

honestly is it dumb that I don't even know where to start? 😬
Not dumb — the most normal question there is. Everyone starts at zero. Here's the truth: you don't need 20% down, you don't need perfect credit, and you don't need to have it figured out before we talk. Start here 👇

Six myths that cost people homes

Let's clear these up right now.

You need 20% down.

The truth: Qualified first-time buyers can put down as little as 3% on a conventional loan or 3.5% on FHA — and some programs go to $0 down. 20% only matters because it removes mortgage insurance; it was never the entry ticket.

You need perfect credit.

The truth: FHA loans often work in the 580s, and conventional programs start around 620 with better pricing as scores rise. "Not perfect" is most first-time buyers — it is not a disqualifier.

You should wait for rates to drop.

The truth: Nobody can time rates — not Steven, not anyone. If a home fits your budget today, you can buy today and refinance later if rates fall. Waiting also means competing later with everyone else who waited.

Getting pre-approved tanks your credit.

The truth: A mortgage pre-approval is one hard inquiry with minimal impact, and multiple mortgage checks in a short window count as one. It is one of the smartest early moves you can make.

You have to find the house first.

The truth: Backwards. Get pre-approved first so you know your real budget and can make a strong offer the day you find the one. Shopping without it is shopping blind.

Student loans mean you can’t qualify.

The truth: Student debt is just part of your debt-to-income picture, and there are specific ways to count income-based repayment. Plenty of first-time buyers close with student loans on the books.

Zero to keys

Six steps, in the order they actually happen.

  1. The first conversation

    Text Steven where you are — even if that’s square one. No application, no credit pull. Just a plan.

  2. Get pre-approved

    A clean pre-approval tells you your real budget and makes your future offer credible to sellers.

  3. Set your true budget

    Not the max you’re approved for — the number that leaves your life intact. Steven helps you find it.

  4. Shop with confidence

    Tour homes knowing exactly what each one costs you monthly. The calculator becomes your sidekick.

  5. Make an offer

    When you find it, your pre-approval and Steven’s speed help your offer stand out — even against cash.

  6. Clear to close

    Paperwork, appraisal, underwriting — Steven translates every step so nothing is a surprise. Then: keys.

Minnesota down payment assistance

The help that goes unused every year.

Minnesota Housing offers programs that can put thousands toward your down payment and closing costs, paired right alongside your main mortgage. Some defer repayment until you sell or refinance; others carry a small monthly payment. They stack with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans.

The catch? Most people never find out they qualify. Eligibility is mostly about income and your county — not whether you've saved a fortune. Steven works with these programs regularly and handles the pairing for you.

See how assistance works💬 Ask Steven if you qualify
I make okay money but I have almost nothing saved. am I out of luck?
You're the exact person these programs exist for. Minnesota Housing assistance can cover down payment AND closing costs — your income qualifies you, your savings account doesn't have to. Let's check your county's limits.

Money questions, answered straight

First-time buyer FAQ

How much money do I actually need to buy a house?

Less than most people think. Between low-down-payment loans (3%–5%), FHA (3.5%), $0-down options like VA and USDA, and Minnesota Housing down payment assistance, the cash-to-close is often far smaller than the "20% down" myth suggests. Steven can map your specific number.

What credit score do I need?

FHA loans often work in the 580s; conventional programs generally start around 620. If your score needs work, Steven can show you the couple of moves that matter most before you apply — no credit-repair upsell.

Is it cheaper to keep renting?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no — it depends on your rent, the price range, and how long you’ll stay. That’s a real math question, and Steven will run it honestly rather than pushing you to buy.

What is down payment assistance and do I qualify?

Minnesota Housing offers programs that put thousands toward your down payment and closing costs, paired with your main mortgage. Eligibility is mostly about income and the county — not whether you’ve saved a fortune. Steven handles the pairing.

When should I get pre-approved?

Before you tour homes seriously. It defines your budget and makes your offer real. It’s free, it’s fast, and it doesn’t obligate you to anything.

Ready to stop wondering and start planning?

One text is the whole first step. Tell Steven where you are — he'll take it from there, at your pace.

💬 Text Steven: 952-688-1081Apply with Steven